Biden approves new batch arms sales to Israeli regime

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Financial Times
Today 03:01

Reportedly, the US's approval of the arms sales comes in line with a recent ceasefire agreement that Netanyahu approved.

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An Israeli Air Force F-16 fighter jet departs from an unknown location, on October 26, 2024. (AP)

United States President Joe Biden has given preliminary approval for a $680 million weapons sale to the Israeli regime, a move that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has highlighted as a factor in supporting a recent US-backed ceasefire with Hezbollah, the Financial Times reported.

This shipment of advanced precision weapons includes Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits and small-diameter bombs, according to sources familiar with the deal. The deal adds to a list of countless packages and diplomatic cover that the US has provided the genocidal regime with.

US officials recently briefed Congress on the proposed sale, which is subject to congressional review before it can be finalized. The disclosure marks an initial step in the arms sale process, typically preceding any public announcement of the agreement.

During a speech, where Netanyahu justified his cabinet's approval of the ceasefire, he emphasized the importance of replenishing Israeli occupation forces' weapons stockpile.

"There have been significant delays in weapons deliveries," Netanyahu acknowledged, adding that the new shipments would enhance Israeli military capabilities.

"These delays will soon be resolved, allowing us to secure advanced weaponry that will protect our soldiers and bolster our strike capabilities," he said after launching a nearly 70-day intense aggression on Lebanon.

However, US officials have denied any direct connection between the arms sale and the ceasefire agreement, according to FT. Sources familiar with the text of the ceasefire agreement said that there was no clause stating that the Israeli regime would receive the shipments if it agreed to a ceasefire.

The proposed $680 million arms package is part of a broader US policy of military support for "Israel", which has faced opposition in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Senate Democrats, led by Bernie Sanders, recently failed to block $20 billion in weapons sales to "Israel" over concerns about civilian casualties in the region. Meanwhile, Congress approved $26 billion in additional wartime aid for "Israel" earlier this year, supplementing the annual $3.8 billion in security assistance provided by the US to the genocidal regime.